Lonnie Mae Rayford

A welcoming smile, a giving heart, an encourager who was dedicated to her family and friends, a woman of faith. That is the essence of Lonnie Rayford who died on Nov. 17 after a lengthy battle with cancer. The Memphis, Tennessee native was born on Aug. 1, 1943 to the late Lonnye L. Shoffner and Ella Louise Jackson. She was the second of five children born to that union. At an early age Lonnie confessed Christ as her personal Savior. She was baptized and started her Christian journey under the pastorate of Rev. Warner C. Jackson at Pearly Gates Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. Lonnie was a graduate of Manassas High School, class of 1961. She married Robert "Ted" Oliver and to that union Unika Michelle Oliver was born. Ted was an U.S. Army veteran, and Lonnie and Unika spent more than a year with Ted in Stuttgart, Germany. In 1965, she earned a certificate for certified nursing assistant from the Memphis Area Vocational Technical School and was a part of the first African American CNA class to work at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis. Lonnie moved to California in 1969 and in 1971, she married Wayne Lee Rayford, Sr., who preceded her in death. To that union, Wayne Lee Rayford Jr. was born. Lonnie became a nurturer and surrogate mother to Wayne's children from a previous marriage - Darrin, Kelley, and Terry. Lonnie always said that her purpose was to love, mentor, guide, protect and serve as an advocate for God's children. Lonnie had many careers. She worked for the U.S. Postal Service, claims examiner for Blue Shield, taught special education for the Victorville Unified School District and pre-school at the Victor Valley College's Child Development Center. She taught classes in her church's Vacation Bible School as a volunteer in Apple Valley. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Cal State University, Dominguez Hills with honors. Lonnie loved the Lord, was a child of God and knew that she was here to serve others. She was a dedicated and loving mother, often stating that her most valuable and important accomplishment was her children. She continually thanked God for her beautiful gifts, her children, and grandchildren. She leaves to mourn her passing her daughter, Unika M. Oliver; her son, Wayne L. Rayford, Jr. (Christine); their children Jelani and Julian Rayford. Darrin Rayford (Liz) their children Dontae and Hallie. Kelly Jackson (Eddie) their children Essence and Trey; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Special thanks to her caregiver Veronica, physical therapists Brandon and Denisha, and her niece Ebony who were especially caring and present in her later years. Visitation Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244 | Monday 12/13, 11:00 am - 11:30 am Service Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244 | Monday 12/13, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Cemetery Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA 92518 Monday 12/13, 1:30 pm - 12:00 am